Diazepam is the generic name for Valium, a prescription drug doctors prescribe to treat symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Valium may also be prescribed to treat the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal known as "delirium tremens."
Additionally, the drug can treat muscle spasms from injury, inflammation, or nerve disorders.
Doctors sometimes prescribe Valium along with other medications to treat convulsions or seizures.
Valium belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines, which work by increasing the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that moderates the activity of nerve signals in the brain.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved diazepam in 1963 under the brand name Valium for the Roche drug company.
In 1985, the FDA approved generic diazepam, manufactured today by several drug companies.
Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed drugs: According to reports in The New York Times and elsewhere, U.S. doctors issued more than 50 million prescriptions for Valium each year during the 1970s, when it was America's most popular prescription drug.
Abuse of benzodiazepines, especially in combination with opiate painkillers, has become increasingly common in recent years.
The number of people admitted to treatment programs for abusing this drug combination increased nearly 570 percent from 2000 to 2010, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
Valium and other benzodiazepines have a high potential for abuse.
Because these drugs can increase the effects of prescription painkillers such as opioids, some people abuse benzodiazepines along with opioids for the relaxed, euphoric "high" this combination offers.
Cocaine addicts can use benzodiazepines to relieve uncomfortable side effects, like irritability and agitation.
Abuse of benzodiazepines also includes using them to boost the effects of alcohol and ease the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
People who abuse benzodiazepines often refer to the drugs by their street names, including "benzos," "downers," "nerve pills," and "tranks."
Valium can be habit-forming. If you take it for a long time, your body will build up tolerance (a resistance to the drug's effects).
If you stop taking Valium suddenly after taking it for a long time, you may have withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, irritability, and trouble sleeping.
Valium is intended for short-term use. Because it may be habit-forming, it's not recommended that people take it for longer than four months.
If you have had problems with drug or alcohol abuse in the past, you may be at higher risk for Valium becoming habit-forming.
Drinking alcohol may make some side effects of Valium more severe.
Valium is also given to dogs, cats, and other animals to treat anxiety, seizures, or loss of appetite.
Additionally, it may be used as a sedative prior to surgery or other veterinary procedures.
Valium for dogs and cats should only be used under a veterinarian's guidance.
Valium is not safe to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Taking Valium during pregnancy may lead to birth defects and withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
Because Valium passes into breast milk, you should not breastfeed while on Valium.
Before taking Valium, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking Valium, tell your doctor right away.
Children younger than 6 months should not take Valium.
Valium has many side effects. Always tell your doctor if you have allergies to any medications, including other benzodiazepines.
Valium can interact with many medications, so take it with caution if you have certain medical conditions:
The most common side effects of Valium are drowsiness, fatigue, muscle weakness, and clumsiness (called ataxia).
However, let your doctor know if you have any unusual side effects, including:
Serious side effects of Valium can also occur. If you have any of these side effects, call your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Many drugs may affect the way Valium works, and Valium may affect other drugs you are taking.
It's very important to let your doctor know about all drugs you are taking, including illegal or recreational drugs, any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and any herbs or supplements.
Types of drugs that are known to interact with Valium and may cause problems include:
Valium may make you feel drowsy and may affect your judgment.
Until you know how Valium will affect you, don't drive or operate machinery.
Drinking alcohol may make some side effects of Valium more severe, causing problems.
Valium comes in tablets, extended-release capsules, and liquid form.
Swallow extended-release capsules whole. You shouldn't crush or break them.
You can take Valium with or without food.
In tablet form, Valium comes in 2-, 5-, and 10-milligram (mg) pills.
Your dose will depend on the condition you have and your own response to Valium:
An overdose of Valium can cause central nervous system depression. Symptoms can include:
It's possible to have a fatal overdose if you mix Valium with other drugs that also cause central nervous system depression.
If an overdose occurs, call a poison center at 1-800-222-1222 or call 9-1-1.
Take Valium exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking diazepam on your own.
Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as:
If you miss a dose of Valium, take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Don't double your dose to make up for a missed dose.
A: Diazepam (Valium) is an anxiolytic sedative classified as a benzodiazepine. Diazepam is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders, for the symptomatic relief in acute alcohol withdrawal and as an adjunctive treatment for the relief of skeletal muscle spasms. Diazepam may also be used as an adjunctive therapy for convulsive disorders. The most common symptoms of a diazepam overdose include drowsiness, excessive sedation, ataxia, confusion and reduced reflexes. A diazepam overdose rarely causes coma and very rarely causes death. A diazepam overdose typically does not present a life-threatening situation unless a patient has also ingested other central nervous system depressants, including alcohol. As the effects of the diazepam overdose begin to diminish, a patient may experience symptoms of jitteriness and overstimulation. Unless a patient suffers from a severe diazepam overdose, there are minimal effects on respiration, pulse rate and blood pressure. If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms of a diazepam overdose, it is paramount to seek medical treatment immediately. When managing a diazepam overdose, it is important to consider if a patient has ingested any other agents prior to beginning treatment. To treat a diazepam overdose, if the patient is conscious, vomiting should be induced within one hour. Gastric lavage may be used for the treatment of a diazepam overdose if performed soon after ingestion. Activated charcoal may also be used to decrease absorption if there is no advantage to emptying the stomach. Other treatments may be performed in more serious cases, but must be administered with caution. It is important to take diazepam exactly as directed to avoid an overdose situation. Do not take diazepam in larger amounts or for a longer duration than prescribed by a physician.
A: Diazepam (Valium) is categorized as a benzodiazepine. Diazepam is approved for the management of anxiety disorders, the treatment of acute alcohol withdrawal symptoms and muscle spasms. Diazepam is also approved as an adjunctive treatment for seizures. Diazepam is classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a controlled substance and may precipitate physical and psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation. If physical dependence to diazepam has developed, a patient will experience withdrawal symptoms if the medication is abruptly discontinued. Diazepam withdrawal symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, extreme anxiety, tension, restlessness, confusion, irritability, tremor, abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting and sweating. In more severe cases of diazepam withdrawal, symptoms may consist of derealization, depersonalization, increased sensitivity to sound, numbness and tingling of the extremities, increased sensitivity to light or physical contact, hallucinations or epileptic seizures. The more severe diazepam withdrawal symptoms are more likely in patients who have been given higher doses and with more prolonged use. Patients are advised against abrupt discontinuation of treatment with diazepam. If discontinuation is warranted or desired, consult with a health care provider to determine an appropriate taper schedule. A gradual dosage tapering should be performed under the supervision of a physician to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms may also occur if patients are switched from long-acting benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, to more short-acting benzodiazepines. Treatment with diazepam should be no longer than two to three months, including the gradual dosage taper. There is also a potential risk for rebound anxiety as well. Rebound anxiety is a temporary syndrome in which the symptoms that were present prior to treatment recur and are enhanced. Rebound anxiety is more likely with abrupt discontinuation of diazepam. According to the prescribing information for Valium, the brand-name of diazepam, it is recommended to decrease the dosage gradually.
A: Diazepam (Valium) is therapeutically classified as an anxiolytic-sedative medication belonging to the benzodiazepine class. Diazepam is a long-acting benzodiazepine. Diazepam has central nervous system depressant and skeletal muscle relaxant properties. However, the exact mechanism of action of the benzodiazepines, including diazepam, has not been fully elucidated. There are several uses for diazepam which have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Diazepam is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term of the symptoms of anxiety. According to the prescribing information for Valium, the brand-name of diazepam, benzodiazepines should not be employed as monotherapy for the treatment of depression or anxiety associated with depression as suicidal tendencies may be present in this patient population. Another use for diazepam is for symptomatic relief in patients experiencing acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Diazepam may be useful in alleviating symptoms including acute agitation, tremor and impending acute delirium tremens. Diazepam is also indicated as an adjunctive treatment for the relief of skeletal muscle spasm associated with certain neurospastic conditions and reflex spasms caused by local pathology, such as inflammation of muscles or joints secondary to trauma. Diazepam also has anticonvulsant properties and is indicated as an adjunctive therapy to treat certain convulsive disorders. Treatment with diazepam is not recommended patients dependent on other substances, including alcohol, except for the symptomatic management of acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Benzodiazepines, including diazepam, should be administered with extreme caution in patients with a past medical history of drug or alcohol abuse and should not be used as a primary treatment in patients with a diagnosis of psychotic illness. For all of the uses for diazepam, the lowest effective dose required to achieve desired therapeutic outcomes should be administered for the shortest duration possible. Treatment with diazepam, for any of the FDA approved indications, should not exceed two to three months, including a gradual dosage tapering period to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation.
A: Benzodiazepines are indicated for the management of anxiety disorders or for the short-term relief of the symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety and tension associated by everyday life stressors typically does not warrant treatment with anxiolytic medications. In addition to their role in the treatment of anxiety disorders, some of the benzodiazepines also have sedative-hypnotic, anticonvulsant or muscle relaxant properties. They are also used to treat panic disorder, induce sleep and as an adjunct to anesthesia prior to surgery or procedures. There are several different medications belonging to the benzodiazepine class. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) Office of Diversion Control, alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium) and temazepam (Restoril) are the five most prescribed benzodiazepines. Alprazolam is approved, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for the management of anxiety disorders, for the short-term symptomatic relief of anxiety and for the management of anxiety associated with depression. Alprazolam is also approved for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. Lorazepam is approved, by the FDA, for the management of anxiety disorders, for the short-term symptomatic relief of anxiety or for the management of anxiety caused by the symptoms of depression. The effectiveness of lorazepam, for treatment greater than 4 months, has not been assessed in clinical trials and it is advisable to periodically re-assess the need for treatment. Clonazepam is used to treat certain types of seizure disorders, alone or as an adjunct to treatment. Clonazepam is also useful in the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia. Similar to lorazepam, the effectiveness of clonazepam, for long-term use greater than 9 weeks, has not been assessed and the long-term usefulness of treatment should be re-assessed periodically as well. Diazepam is indicated for the management of anxiety disorders, for the short-term relief of anxiety symptoms or for symptomatic relief in acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Diazepam is also useful as an adjunctive treatment for skeletal muscle spasm or convulsive disorders. Temazepam is approved only for the short-term treatment of insomnia and should only be prescribed for 7 to 10 days of treatment.
A: Diazepam (Valium) is an anxiolytic agent. Diazepam is classified as a benzodiazepine medication and is a central nervous system depressant. In addition to the anti-anxiety properties of diazepam, it also demonstrates anticonvulsant and skeletal muscle relaxant activity. Diazepam is approved, by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for symptomatic relief in acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome and for the management of symptoms of mild to moderate degrees of anxiety in certain conditions. Diazepam is also approved as an adjunctive treatment for muscle spasms and certain seizure disorders. The instructions for taking diazepam are dependent upon the indication for which it has been prescribed. In all patients, treatment should be highly individualized and should be aimed at achieving desired therapeutic outcomes with the lowest dose possible and for the shortest treatment duration necessary. For symptomatic relief in acute alcohol withdrawal, the usual dose is 10 mg three to four times daily in the first 24 hours and should be reduced to 5 mg administered three to four times daily as needed thereafter. For the symptomatic relief in anxiety disorders, the typical adult dose is 2 mg to 10 mg two to four times daily. The instructions for taking diazepam as an adjunctive treatment for muscle spasm are 2 mg to 10 mg three to four times daily. When diazepam is used for its anticonvulsant properties, the usual dose is 2 mg to 10 mg two to four times daily as an adjunctive therapy. A lower dose is recommended in patients with respiratory insufficiency as a result of the potential for respiratory depression. Additionally, in elderly or debilitated patients, it is advisable to initiate treatment with the smallest, effective dose to prevent the development of symptoms including ataxia, excessive sedation or other possible adverse reactions caused by central nervous system depression. This population of patients is more sensitive to central nervous system depression and more likely to experience related side effects. The instructions for taking diazepam should also include an advisory to patients to exercise caution when engaging in tasks that require mental alertness and physical coordination.
A: Diazepam (Valium) is a benzodiazepine commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Diazepam is not indicated for the treatment of depression. Diazepam is a controlled substance and may become habit forming. Only take diazepam as prescribed by your doctor. Diazepam should be taken with a full glass of water. Diazepam is usually taken as needed for panic or anxiety or at bedtime for sleep. Feeling tired or drowsy after a dose of diazepam is very common. Common side effects associated with treatment with diazepam are drowsiness, changes in appetite and sex drive. Serious side effects, which should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately, include confusion, depression, feeling lightheaded or faint, changes in mood, muscle cramps, trouble sleeping, and feeling unusually tired. Withdrawal symptoms can occur even after short-term use of diazepam and can range from mild to major withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms of diazepam may include insomnia, headache, confusion, abdominal and muscle cramps, vomiting, sweating, tremors, and seizures. Recurrent symptoms of panic disorder can occur and be more severe than before starting treatment with diazepam. Stopping diazepam should be done under a doctor
By Chris Iliades, MD, and Mary Elizabeth Dallas | Medically Reviewed by Farrokh Sohrabi, MD
Latest Update: 2014-04-29